Moldova, long overshadowed on the global wine map, is steadily asserting itself as a region of character and heritage. A key player, Château Purcari has been shaping winemaking for nearly two centuries, after it was first established in 1827 as the region’s first dedicated estate. By 1878, its flagship wine, Negru de Purcari, earned international recognition as it was reputedly so Bordeaux-like in a blind tasting that French critics guessed it was from France. Now, through the efforts of Moldovan expatriates Chee Mun Loy and Virginia Doros, Purcari’s collection has been introduced to Malaysia under their Vinul Wines label, offering local connoisseurs a taste of a region that has been honing its craft for generations. Each bottle is carefully selected for authenticity, reflecting Moldova’s native varietals, meticulous vineyard management, and the nuanced character of its terroir.
The Malaysian debut unfolded at Tucker & Co., The Exchange TRX, where glasses of Cuvée de Purcari Fetească Albă Brut NV were set before diners. The sparkling wine’s fine bubbles and orchard-fruit notes paired elegantly with wood-fired sourdough and churned butter, signalling the start of an evening that would trace the country’s winemaking heritage.
The Sauvignon Blanc 2024 accompanied a prawn tartare with lime and ponzu on crisp sourdough toast, the wine’s lively acidity lifting the seafood’s delicate brine. Viorica—Muscat Ottonel de Purcari 2024 followed alongside a mini plăcintă of brie, green onion, and sour cream, as its floral aromatics harmonise with the creamy richness of the dish.
For the main courses, the Pinot Noir 2022 complemented the confit duck rillette, cornichon, and brown-butter toast, with soft tannins balancing richness. Rară Neagră de Purcari 2023, a rare native red, elevated truffle-scented mushroom gnocchi. Meanwhile, Negru de Purcari 2021, a structured blend of cabernet sauvignon, saperavi, and rară neagră, was a sublime match for the charcoal-grilled Argentinian striploin with ‘mamaliga’, broccolini, and jus. Dessert, a chocolate mousse with sea salt, crisp raspberries, and chocolate ice cream, went arm-in-arm with Purcari Ice Wine—intensely sweet yet crisp, for a final flourish.
By the end of the evening, guests were suitably impressed, having savoured the sophistication of Purcari’s wines and eagerly anticipating the chance to enjoy more of Moldova’s finest here in Malaysia.
